PREFACE

As understanding the life of this lmam needs studying the affairs of the Omayyad and the Abbasid dynasties when Abü Abd Allah, peace be on him, lived, the attitude of these two powers towards the members of the House (ahl al- Bayt), the number of ahl at Bayt, the religious sects and schools during his lifetime, and the opinions of people about the lmamate, it is necessary for us to mention these subjects in the preface, because through them we are able to understand his political, scientific and social life, and the reason for . which he published sciences and knowledge, he summoned Muslims to adopt ethics and merits, and urged them to spread virtues secretly and keep their attribution to (ahl al - Bayt) secret. Also he prevented his followers from showing their support for them and going frequently to them openly. This is what we call dissimulation (taqiyah).

So, through this preface, the reader is aware of the lifetime of this lmani before he studies its details.

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICENT, THE MERCIFUL

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we serve and Thee do we beseech for help. Keep us on the right path. The path of those upon whom Thou hast bestowed favors. Not (the path) of those upon whom Thy wrath is brought down, nor of those who go astray. Surely Allah and His angels bless the Prophet; O you who believe! Call for (Divine) blessings on him and salute him with a (becoming) Salutation. peace be upon Al Yasin.

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